Belostoma

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Nepomorpha
Superfamily: Nepoidea
Family: Belostomatidae
Subfamily: Belostomatinae
Genus: Belostoma

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Belostoma: /bɛlɔˈstoːma/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Belostoma subspinosum detail MP Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge TX by Matthew Pintar. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Belostoma - London, Ontario 03 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Belostoma - London, Ontario 02 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Belostoma - London, Ontario 01 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Giant Water Bug (Belostomatidae) - London, Ontario 05 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Belostoma - London, Ontario 04 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Belostoma is a genus of insects known as giant water bugs, found predominantly in freshwater habitats of the Americas, noted for their predatory habits and unique paternal care.

Physical Characteristics

Body football-shaped (oval with pointed ends), size ranges from 15-41.5 mm.

Identification Tips

Membrane of hemelytra large and well-developed; larger than Abedus immaculatus but smaller than B. ellipticum and B. subspinosum.

Habitat

Slow-moving and standing water with submerged or emergent vegetation.

Distribution

Widespread in North America, most diverse in the Neotropics.

Diet

Predaceous on aquatic arthropods, snails, small fish, and larvae and adults of frogs and toads.

Life Cycle

One generation per year; adults overwinter and mating occurs in late spring or early summer.

Reproduction

Males carry eggs cemented on their backs until nymphs hatch, exhibiting paternal care.

Predators

Young alligators and other larger animals; often play dead when encountered.

Ecosystem Role

Predators in freshwater ecosystems, aiding in controlling populations of prey species.

Cultural Significance

Commonly referred to as 'toe-biters' due to painful but harmless sting; also known as 'electric-light bugs' due to their attraction to lights.

Health Concerns

Sting can be very painful but is generally harmless.

Collecting Methods

Netting from water sources
Light trapping during evening hours

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Pinned specimens for larger individuals

Evolution

Members have been historically included in Belostoma, though some were moved to other genera; this genus remains diverse with many species.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Painful sting leads to fear, but it is non-lethal and generally harmless to humans.